I was perusing a site Robert recommended to me, when I came across a story claiming that Formula 1 was looking at a new qualifying structure for next season. Let me first describe how the drivers qualified in 2008. Qualifying Session 1 (Q1) would see all twenty drivers on the track, with the slowest five eliminated after a set period of time. These drivers would, barring penalty to any of the non-eliminated drivers, claim the bottom five starting spots on the grid. Q2 saw the next five slowest drivers eliminated, and these drivers took spots 11-15. Q3 saw the last ten drivers battle it out for the pole position. I think this system far outweighs the NASCAR style of qualifying, where a driver goes out and gets two laps to score the fastest time. No traffic to contend with, just the driver, car, and track. At least F1 makes the driver work a little harder for position.
But now I read that the governing body of Formula 1 is considering a change to qualifying, where all twenty drivers would go out under the same fuel loads, with the slower drivers being eliminated until the last six remained. Then those six drivers would pit, take on new tyres and fuel, and go back out to battle for the pole. Along with this rule change, is the suggestion that a driver should be award one point in the championship standings just for winning the pole. Much like the new Aero Package, I think I'd have to see this in practice to know if I like it or not.
As for the proposed F1 rule that I can't stand, I have one thing to say: What the crap is Bernie Eccelstone smoking?
Bernie wants to award medals next season to the podium drivers. Winner gets gold, second get silver, etc. much like the Olympics. At the end of the season, the driver with the most gold medals is the World Champion. If we did this in other sports, well last year's NFL champion would've been New England, the MLB champion would've been the Los Angeles Angels, and the NCAA football champion would've been the Hawai'i Warriors (they were the best undefeated team).
Let's call this what it is: stupidty. Bernie's plan awards flash and pizzaz, and if that is what F1 wants to be about then no one else should be allowed to drive other than Fernando Alonso. Kimi Raikkonen, (Mumbles) would never be allowed near a track again.
No, the points system doesn't need to change. The current structure rewards consistency throughout a season, not just winning. That's what racing is about, consistency and stamina.
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